The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-03-17

nad only Jlb on her, and two reefs In the
mainsail were taken in
Nevertheless we plunged on to windward,
for the Captain did not dare to turn now
and 'scud." We tackled and tackled, beat
ing on until the sun went down, and we did
not seem to be much nearer Weymouth or
Portland Roads, for which we were aiming.
From Portland Island the great Chesil
Beach, knew, and so did all the sailors,
extended right away to Bridgeport, where
the mighty Portland stones have dwindled
through all shapes and sizes of pebbles to
sand and gravel; and the biggest always
the highest up the bank.
The Captain, or sailing-master, was brave
enough, but anxious; the crew were steady ?;
the gentlemen on board were serious; the
ladies very i'll and quite careless of danger.
The little heir was fast asleep in my arms,
and as we heeled over and listened to the
slapping and dashing of the waves outside,
and the rush of water across the deck,
prayed earnestly and wondered whether we
should ever see Cardewe manor again
III.
1t was evening and we were past Portland
Bill. The Captain said we must go about
and run in on the tide to make all the lee
way up. The wind was dead on shore. The
waves beat high upon the Chesil bank, and
il could do some fine writing l could tell
you about the curling tops of the masses Of
water which poured on the single. But
that was nothing to the next days sea
That l shall never forget.
The Firefy had been sighted and con-
siderable anxiety had been expressed con-
corning her. Little did l think that among
the people who were watching US were
Charley and Captain Armstrong, in fear tJr
the result. Charley told me afterward that
the Captain was as cool as ever, and ap-
parently afraid of getting wet; so he hired
a cab and drove down through Weymouth
to the island, leaving Mr.. and Mrs. Martyr
Henry at the hotel to receive the party if
they ran alongside the pier safely.
The evening was deepening INTO blus-
tering and stormy night as Charley and
Captain Armstrong drove to Portland, and
our yacht was driving on. We were still
below, when the easier motion of our yacht,
consequent on our running before the wind
induced us to go on deck. Behind US was a
limitless, tumbling sea, dark clouds and
rain; in front the Chesil bank, the island
with its quarries and its prisoners, and the
smooth water of the roads beyond. In an
hour or so We should be riding alongside
the pier or in the harbor or pulling ashore
to catch the train home. So We saidl
But how is thisl We are not going for
the harbor direct Yes, we are-what is
that behind us!-a roar, then a flash, and
another roar. Blow, blow, good wind, ere
the storm overtakes us, or we shall fare
badly. Flap! flap! The wind has suddenly
failed US. 1--WE are in the very center of a
little cyclonet" SO said the Captain.
''Bear a hand men; we shall be taken
aback in minTter" shouted the master,
rushing to the tiller. ''Furl. all-up with
her-leave the jib alone, cIew up the main
sail, smartr'
No time to lose. Flap! Boom comes the
wind from the northeast with rush. The
FREELY heels over like toy, the jib strains.
Sup with the helmr' The canvas splits
with a fearful, rending, ripping report, and
the yacht drives down upon Portland.
STEADY, menl All hands out of the
dinghy! Remember the women and the
child Bend the foresail. Let her run!'
roared the master. The yacht paid off and,
turning her back on the sea, rushed down
channel-alas! into a tide-eddy, which
sucked her under the rocks of Portland
Island as the wind veered again.
The soldiers at the Verne by this time
were crowded upon the cliffs to see the
''wreck" Some shouted for ropes, some
for rockets, but neither were forthcoming.
The Yacht drove in, and in five minutes ran
between two rocks, where (the wind having
chopped again to the southwest) she re-
manned stern to sea-frequentiy swept by
the waves, and apparently with only few
minutes to live. We were screaming and
in the most terrible distress. Lady Par
dock alone said not word. She took her
child from my arms and said
Mrs. Farmer, try and save yourself
when the time comes. Jocelyn and will
die together"
Mamma, am very hungry. May have
some tea soon!" whimpercd Jocelyn.
The mother kissed him passiOnately
Tears came into my eyes as | remembered
my own children and Charley. Was this
death?
Mr.. Hemphill did all he could to cheer US.
They will find rocket and we can reach
those rocks there on the beach. 1t is not so
rough here as yonder. We are lucky" he
said.
Lucky! thought. Lucky to die in two
minutes or less when the yacht begins to
break up
Mr. Cardewe and his wife were standing
hand in hand, pale but firm. They had been
had prayed, too. The light was
dying out. black figure was seen upon
the beach. If he could swim out that fifty
yards or so he might bring US some as
sistance The master shook his head.
There's no swimmer in Dorset as will do
it. It's possible. I've seen men In the
Pacific swim as bad bits, but there's not ten
men in this country would try it."
The figure came near and stood by the
cliff in place opposite the wreck. Three
men were behind him on q bodybuilding a
rope-he intended to come out then. Hurrah
He plunged from rock into deep, secth-
ing water which broke over his head: He
was gone! No! He reappeared beyond the
wave; ne had gone through it and was max
ing progress toward the yacht, steadily
We could not bear to look at him. 1t seemed
as if he must be dashed to pieces; but he
made his way out, and. after terrible
struggle underline yachts bows, was hauled
in, bleeding, dripping. half-nakcd, and with
a strong line around his waist.
A cheeri another; scream from Lady
Paddock. The very last person she ex-
pected to see had done this thrice-gallant
Armstrong, who she had
limited was coward. a coward!
There was no time for compliments. The
men ashore had gained the beach now, and
had already attached rope to the line. The
rope was hauled on board, basket and
whip were quickly attached and the basket
travelled across, deluged at times by the
waves, but securely. The first person tn
venture was Mrs. Cardewe. By general
consent she went first, and was landed
dripping but in safety. Lady Pardock re-
fused to go without her boy; but Captain
A rmstrong said: ''Trust him to me. l will !
answer for his life with my ownl'
She smiled at him and gave him her hand. |